Problem-Focused Strategies as Means to Balance Life Challenges of IDPs in the Yaounde Municipality, Centre Region of Cameroon: Implications for Counselling

Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Cameroon, particularly in urban areas such as Yaounde, face numerous life challenges due to displacement. The ongoing sociopolitical crises in the North West and South West regions, coupled with the Boko Haram insurgency in the Far North, have resulted in a significant rise in the number of displaced individuals. In Yaounde, the capital city and the primary destination for many IDPs seeking safety and stability, they confront difficulties including economic instability, inadequate access to housing, disrupted education, limited healthcare services, and emotional distress. This article explores the effectiveness of problem-focused strategies as a means to address these challenges and rebuild their lives. Problem-focused strategies emphasize active and direct approaches to resolving issues by focusing on problem-solving, resource-seeking, and skill-building rather than merely coping with stress. The study identifies several key problem-focused interventions for IDPs, such as engaging in income-generating activities, accessing vocational training programs, navigating the housing and legal systems, and participating in psychosocial support networks. These strategies enable IDPs to secure stable livelihoods, improve their housing situations, and enhance their emotional resilience. Additionally, the role of education and skill development is highlighted as critical in empowering IDP youth and improving long- term outcomes. Access to healthcare and advocacy for better services are also discussed as vital components of a problem-focused approach to improving the overall well- being of displaced individuals. Local and international organisations, including NGOs and community-based groups, play a crucial role in supporting IDPs in implementing these strategies. By providing resources, training, and advocacy, these organisations facilitate a structured approach to addressing the immediate and long-term needs of IDPs. This article concludes that problem-focused strategies offer a practical and empowering framework for balancing the life challenges of IDPs in the Yaounde municipality, contributing to their resilience and integration into urban life.